A learning community

Principal News Post

Wonderful News

We are very pleased to share the wonderful news that Miss Emma Harry (Reception Teacher) and her partner Simon will be expecting their first child in March. We wish Emma and Simon the best of good health leading up to this exciting time.

Senior Choir Festival of Music Performance

Congratulations and well done to all Craigburn students who performed in the Public Primary Schools Festival of Music choir at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Friday night.

It was a fabulous showcase of musical talent and a great reward for all Craigburn students who have been rehearsing for this major performance all year.

Special mentions to Azalea for her lead role in the South Orchestra and also to Jasmine in the South Troupe. Once again, a big thank you to Mrs Rayner and Felicity Williams (accompanist) for their wonderful effort and work in leading our school choir.

Colds and Flus

Over the last month or two, many students, staff and families have been caught up in the cold and flu season. As with most schools at this time of the year, we have had a high than usual number of staff absent. During these times, I have noticed our students’ positive behaviour and attitude towards relieving staff. The overwhelming feedback we receive from relieving teachers is that Craigburn students are the best behaved students of schools they have worked in.

Facilities and Grounds

Last week I met with several members of the DECD Asset Services team regarding current and future facilities projects at Craigburn. This included discussion about the landscaping project adjacent to the staff carpark and Murrays Hill Rd entrance, with our facilities manager informing us that work will likely recommence in mid-November. Whilst we have been very frustrated with the ongoing delays, we look forward to this project being completed.

Other facilities items and issues raised included: the gymnasium floor, the school roof, issues related to stormwater drainage and other minor upgrade plans. Over the school holiday period we aim to continue working on a number of ongoing outdoor projects and tidying up areas for Term 4.

As briefly mentioned before, the oval playground soft-fall is set to be replaced due to broken glass fragments. We thank students and families for their patience whilst this area is out of bounds.

Early Morning Arrival

Students are allowed to start arriving at school from 8:30am, unless attending OSHC. Students who are on the school grounds before 8.30am will be directed to the front office as teachers are not on duty prior to this time. Classrooms are generally opened from 8:40am and students may enter the buildings to put away their bags, talk to the teacher and get organised for the day. The school siren sounds at 8.50am indicating all students need to be in their classrooms ready to start the school day.

Staff Car Park and Local Traffic

A friendly reminder that the staff carpark is for staff only and for families displaying a ‘disability parking permit’. Keeping all children safe is our priority, so please do not use the staff car park to drop or collect children, unless pre-arranged with the front office.

A reminder too, for all families and friends to exercise caution and patience at arrival and dismissal times. Traffic and parking regulations are in place and will be acted upon by Rangers from the Onkaparinga Council.

Applications Open For $45,000 Teaching Award

Applications are now open for the 2018 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards which recognise and reward excellence in teaching and school leadership across Australia. In 2018, twelve outstanding educators will receive a $45,000 Teaching Fellowship, including $30,000 for a project at the Fellow’s school, $10,000 for professional development and a study tour to a high-performing education system valued at $5,000. The Awards celebrate educators who are having a positive impact on students’ lives and education outcomes, by leading change that sets students on a path to success. They are open to teachers and principals from all Australian schools. Applications are open from September 4 to October 12. To apply or nominate a great teacher or principal, go to www.teachingawards.com.au

DECD Strategic Directions

The new DECD Strategic Plan was released earlier this month. The plan outlines DECD’s aim of being a world class education and child development system in South Australia. It builds on the government’s strategic directions and outlines 6 areas for each of us to focus on irrespective of our role within the system. These areas are known to create impact in successful education systems around the world.